More school vacation fun! Went to Providence to visit a sister (I have three) and hang out with the nieces and nephews. We’re all about the food in our family and had to stop by favorite Venda Ravioli on Atwells Ave (www.vendaravioli.com) to pick up lunch -chicken cutlets, pasta salads and some dinner staples. Couldn’t make Seven Stars Bakery (http://www.sevenstars.com ) this trip but it is a favorite stop and I was loath to miss it – the chocolate almond croissant is perfection.

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He was a landscape architect in the 1700’s who got his nickname because he used the word capabilities instead of possibilities. I am a stay at home mother who loves books, food and my children, my husband and our dog. I am good at finding information, cleaning and, I, for one, think I am funny. I am also resoundingly capable if not often flustered. I have wonderful friends who are supportive, honest and kind.

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Who knew there was a kicking museum inside? I must have passed that building hundreds of times and never even thought about it. My oldest child is studying the American Revolution and it was great to visit and make connections with the Social Studies curriculum.

We also went (on a different day) to the North End. We went with family friends and visited The Old North Church (http://www.oldnorth.org) and the Paul Revere House (http://www.paulreverehouse.org) both very worthwhile and well-run. The guide in the Old North Church gave an informal talk while we sat in boxed pews that are still in use today. The Paul Revere House had a lovely tour as well. Just right.

We also had a nice lunch and visited a wonderful market that has the most amazing balsamic vinegar on the planet (really!) http://www.salumeriaitaliana.com/. They also have great cheeses and gorgeous pesto.

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Just got a bag of books from fellow mommy blogger and am tearing through them. Why do I love YA fiction? the conflict? the readability? they are like harlequin romance novels – but with better writing and life lessons. You can easily read one a day and the writing is wonderful. Mitali Perkins, Sharon Creech, Kate DiCamillo. Love these.

Recently read: Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko, Heartbeat by Sharon Creech, getting near to baby, by Audrey Couloumbis and Tiger Rising by Kate DiCamillo, The View from Saturday by E.L. Konigsburg and Secret Keeper by Mitali Perkins.

I had loved The Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler as a young reader – just discovered The View from Saturday. Amazing, wonderful book!